ATI PN Adult Medical-Surgical Proctored Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who has acute left-sided
heart failure. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene
first?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) over 24 hr
C. Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air
D. Fatigue when ambulating
Correct answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air
An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia
and impaired oxygenation. Airway and breathing take priority
because inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-
threatening. Peripheral edema, rapid weight gain, and activity
intolerance are important manifestations of worsening heart
failure, but they are not as immediately dangerous as severe
hypoxemia.
,Question 2
A client prescribed digoxin for heart failure reports nausea and
seeing yellow halos around lights. Which action should the
practical nurse take?
A. Administer the medication with food
B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
C. Encourage the client to increase sodium intake
D. Administer the next dose early
Correct answer: B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances such as
yellow or green halos, and dysrhythmias can indicate digoxin
toxicity. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify
the provider for further evaluation. Hypokalemia can increase
the risk of digoxin toxicity, so electrolyte levels and renal
function are also important considerations.
Question 3
A client experiencing angina reports substernal chest pressure
that began while walking. Which action should the nurse
anticipate first?
,A. Have the client lie down and administer prescribed
sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Encourage the client to continue walking slowly
C. Give an antacid
D. Apply a heating pad to the chest
Correct answer: A. Have the client lie down and administer
prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin
Stable angina results from temporary myocardial ischemia and
commonly occurs with exertion. Rest decreases myocardial
oxygen demand, while sublingual nitroglycerin causes
vasodilation and can relieve ischemic chest discomfort. The
nurse should also assess vital signs and follow the prescribed
protocol for repeated doses and emergency evaluation if pain
persists.
Question 4
A client receiving a blood transfusion suddenly develops chills,
fever, and low back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Flush the blood tubing with dextrose solution
Correct answer: B. Stop the transfusion
, Fever, chills, and low back pain can indicate an acute hemolytic
transfusion reaction, which can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should immediately stop the transfusion while
maintaining IV access with compatible isotonic solution using
new tubing according to facility policy. The blood product and
tubing should be handled according to institutional procedures,
and the provider and blood bank should be notified.
Question 5
A client taking warfarin should be instructed to report which
finding immediately?
A. Mild hunger before meals
B. Occasional fatigue after exercise
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased thirst after activity
Correct answer: C. Black, tarry stools
Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Warfarin reduces clotting ability, so bleeding is a major adverse
effect that requires prompt evaluation. The client should also
report unusual bruising, hematuria, vomiting blood, severe
headache, or other manifestations of bleeding and should have
INR monitoring as prescribed.
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A practical nurse is caring for a client who has acute left-sided
heart failure. Which finding requires the nurse to intervene
first?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) over 24 hr
C. Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air
D. Fatigue when ambulating
Correct answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 86% on room air
An oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia
and impaired oxygenation. Airway and breathing take priority
because inadequate oxygenation can rapidly become life-
threatening. Peripheral edema, rapid weight gain, and activity
intolerance are important manifestations of worsening heart
failure, but they are not as immediately dangerous as severe
hypoxemia.
,Question 2
A client prescribed digoxin for heart failure reports nausea and
seeing yellow halos around lights. Which action should the
practical nurse take?
A. Administer the medication with food
B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
C. Encourage the client to increase sodium intake
D. Administer the next dose early
Correct answer: B. Hold the dose and notify the provider
Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances such as
yellow or green halos, and dysrhythmias can indicate digoxin
toxicity. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify
the provider for further evaluation. Hypokalemia can increase
the risk of digoxin toxicity, so electrolyte levels and renal
function are also important considerations.
Question 3
A client experiencing angina reports substernal chest pressure
that began while walking. Which action should the nurse
anticipate first?
,A. Have the client lie down and administer prescribed
sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Encourage the client to continue walking slowly
C. Give an antacid
D. Apply a heating pad to the chest
Correct answer: A. Have the client lie down and administer
prescribed sublingual nitroglycerin
Stable angina results from temporary myocardial ischemia and
commonly occurs with exertion. Rest decreases myocardial
oxygen demand, while sublingual nitroglycerin causes
vasodilation and can relieve ischemic chest discomfort. The
nurse should also assess vital signs and follow the prescribed
protocol for repeated doses and emergency evaluation if pain
persists.
Question 4
A client receiving a blood transfusion suddenly develops chills,
fever, and low back pain. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Flush the blood tubing with dextrose solution
Correct answer: B. Stop the transfusion
, Fever, chills, and low back pain can indicate an acute hemolytic
transfusion reaction, which can rapidly become life-threatening.
The nurse should immediately stop the transfusion while
maintaining IV access with compatible isotonic solution using
new tubing according to facility policy. The blood product and
tubing should be handled according to institutional procedures,
and the provider and blood bank should be notified.
Question 5
A client taking warfarin should be instructed to report which
finding immediately?
A. Mild hunger before meals
B. Occasional fatigue after exercise
C. Black, tarry stools
D. Increased thirst after activity
Correct answer: C. Black, tarry stools
Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Warfarin reduces clotting ability, so bleeding is a major adverse
effect that requires prompt evaluation. The client should also
report unusual bruising, hematuria, vomiting blood, severe
headache, or other manifestations of bleeding and should have
INR monitoring as prescribed.
